Studies regarding the efficiency of Supro isolated soy protein in Olympic athletes.

Abstract

66 Romanian olympic endurance athletes (30 kayak-canöe, 36 rowing; 45 males and 21 females) participated in our trial, for the purpose to make evident possible biological effects of Supro isolated soy protein supply (1.5 g/kg/day, 8 weeks). At random the athletes were divided into two groups: A group (n = 38) and B group (n = 28). Daily programme (4-6 hours daily, endurance and strength), food and medication were similar for all athletes. The athletes of the A group received daily 1.5 g/kg SuproR soy protein, for 8 weeks while the athletes of the B group did not received soy protein supply. Two months soy protein supply induced increases of body mass (about 3 kg, especially by lean body mass), strength indexes, serum proteins, haemoglobin and total calcium and significant decreases of urinary mucoproteins and fatigue after training sessions, especially when comparing to the athletes of the B group. No damages of liver, kidney and metabolism tests were noticed in all athletes; no side effects were noticed and the product was well tolerated by athletes. When applying the cross-over method for other 2 months we obtained the same results. Based on these data the authors support the idea of a beneficial effect of this soy protein supply on the biological preparation of endurance top athletes.